Modular User Control Interface with Detachable Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user control interfaces lack versatility and modularity, limiting their ability to provide customizable at-seat functionality and easy maintenance, as they are often rigidly designed and difficult to expand or repair.
Innovation Solution
A modular user control interface comprising a host module and detachable user modules that can be connected in series, allowing for customizable input and output functionalities, with the host module serving as a signal hub for external communication and enabling easy replacement of faulty modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid, non-modular design is used for user control interfaces, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simpler, but the adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The user control interface is divided into separate functional modules (host module and user modules) that can be independently configured and connected. Each user module provides specific functionality (e.g., audio controls, video controls, communication functions) that can be selectively attached to the host module, allowing customization without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The host module is designed with universal connection interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of user modules. The standardized connector design allows a single host module to work with various user modules, providing multi-functionality while maintaining simple manufacturing processes.
2Ease of repair
If user control interfaces are designed as integrated units, then manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but ease of repair and maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the interface into replaceable user modules connected to a host module, the system enables easy repair through module replacement rather than repairing the entire integrated unit. The standardized connectors ensure reliable electrical and mechanical connections while allowing quick swap-out of faulty modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows faulty user modules to be quickly removed and replaced with functional ones, minimizing downtime. The host module and functional modules can be recovered and reused, reducing waste and maintenance costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed functionality is provided in user control interfaces, then device complexity is minimized, but adaptability to different user needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates core functionality (host module) from optional functionality (user modules), allowing users to start with a basic configuration and expand by adding modules as needed. This segmentation enables scalability without initially increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface configuration is made dynamic through detachable modules that can be added or removed based on user needs. The system transitions from a static fixed-functionality design to a dynamic configurable system, adapting to different usage scenarios while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A user control interface (1), the interface comprising a host module (2) and a first user module (3), the first user module arranged to provide to the user at least one input and/or output functionality in relation to equipment external to the interface, the host module and the first user module are operatively detachably connectable, and the first user module arranged to allow a second user module (4) to be operatively connected thereto, the first module arranged to provide signal communication between the host module and the second user module, and the host module arranged to provide a connection for enabling communication externally of the interface.